Subject: Re: OT— USD diversification
I use Interactive Brokers while continually cursing them. (I also use Vanguard and Fidelity as well as a handful of banks - each for completely different tasks). My beef against IBKR is that their professional trading interface is very complicated, much of their data is subscription-based and their telephone support is virtually non-existent, so issues can take time to solve. It is also a bit complex to actually open an account (actually required two - one managing the other).

That said, they are the least expensive way to "obtain" foreign currency in order to purchase stock on foreign exchanges (while there is, of course a buy/sell spread, their commission is minimal). That said, the currency is still a book notation at an American company. If it is foreign cash you desire/require, you would have to wire the funds (I think it's free) to the bank of your choice (in the country of your choice). If you are an American citizen who has decided to open foreign bank accounts, it is important to remember to file assorted US government forms to keep them apprised and to pay taxes on any income.

Jeff